Omaha Area Attractions

Your Guide to Family Friendly Activities in and around Omaha

Omaha is a wonderful place to live and visit! Check out all of the fun things to do and places to see!

Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE,includes 260 beautiful acres to enjoy. Here you can climb a treehouse 50 feet high, hike miles of scenic nature trails, enjoy the Discovery Ride, or stay at the Lied Lodge.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge to link two states, connecting Omaha to Council Bluffs over the Missouri River for walking and biking enthusiasts, and an amazing view of downtown Omaha. Lights highlight the bridge at night, offering a beautiful sight.

Boys Town is a world-known Village founded by Father Flanagan. Visit the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel and the Father Flanagan Shrine, Chambers Chapel, the Garden of the Bible, the historic Father Flanagan House, the Rose Garden, and the Visitors Center. Attractions are free.

The Durham Museum, which makes its home in the beautiful Union Station, includes wonderful permanent exhibits (love the restored train cars!) and impressive travelling exhibits. Christmas at Union Station is one of many exciting special events. They occasionally offer free or reduced admission at special times during the year – follow Family Fun in Omaha to find out when!

Fertile Ground Muralis an amazing 32,500 square-foot mural located on the east and north exterior walls of the Energy Systems building at 13th and Mike Fahey Street.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center provides a place where people can experience and enjoy the quiet wild of nature. They offer 18 miles of dirt trails; 1,400 acres of conserved forest, prairie and marshland; 1-mile riverview boardwalk (wheelchair/stroller accessible); and regular programs for all ages.

Heartland of America Park’s central feature is the spectacular park fountain with its 300 ft. water jet and accompanying light show. Walking trails, gondola rides, and picnic areas also available.

Holy Family Shrine is a beautiful glass chapel overlooking I-80 that serves as a place of rest and solitude for people of all faiths.

Hot Shops Art Center – Since 1999, the Hot Shops Art Center has become a thriving community of local, working artists and artisans. The 80+ artists occupying and exhibiting in 54 studios and shops warmly invite all to join them. There are four “hot shops” featuring glass blowing, pottery, bronze casting and blacksmithing, as well as over 50 individual studios and four art galleries.

Joslyn Art Museum is a beautiful building with amazing permanent and travelling exhibits. They have programs for all ages and special events throughout the year. Enjoy FREE general admission every day! Additional charge for some special exhibitions. When you’re at the Museum, visit the Scott EdTech Gallery to pick-up a printed gallery guide, check-out an Art Pack for family fun in the galleries, or stop by the Kids Can, a self-guided activity center located on the Strauss Bridge.

Kenefick Park displays two of the greatest locomotives ever to power Union Pacific Railroad, highly visible to drivers passing on I-80. Free admission to the park, and free parking at Lauritzen Gardens.

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center, has 100 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens. They occasionally offer free or reduced admission at special times during the year – follow Family Fun in Omaha to find out when!

Lewis and Clark Landing provides a peaceful walk along the Missouri River, and the perfect venue for several outdoor concerts and events.

Memorial Park features monuments honoring men and women of the armed forces who were killed or missing during service. A beautiful rose garden highlights the expansive grounds which are perfect for sledding in the winter, or concerts and games in the summer.

Mount Vernon Gardens provides a panoramic view of the Missouri River, and its beautiful location provides a perfect setting for weddings.

Neale Woods Nature Center includes nine miles of dirt trails, 600 acres of conserved forest and prairie land, a nature center building open seasonally, and the Millard Observatory, which is open during scheduled Astronomy Nights.

The Old Market is an historic area in downtown Omaha featuring shopping, restaurants, boutiques, nightlife, galleries, horse-drawn carriages, street musicians, all surrounded by cobblestone streets. It is a favorite among locals and visitors. First Friday Old Market, held on the first Friday of each month from 6-9pm, is a free event celebrating local creativity.

Omaha Community Centers offer many classes for people of all ages. You can learn a new craft, take swim lessons, get some exercise, play in a sports league, or participate in the many special events they host throughout the year or special camps while the kids are off of school. You can also enjoy open gym time with your little ones for as little as $1/adult!

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best family attractions in the United States, and we are lucky enough to have it right here in Omaha! You can visit all year long since many of the special attractions are located inside. The zoo pass is a fantastic deal – you get admission to the zoo AND the IMAX theater, and new this year – you can add a season pass to the Wildlife Safari Park for only $25! You also receive reciprocal privileges (free or reduced admission) to over 100 zoos nationwide. I always feel like I am on vacation when I visit the zoo!

Omaha Parks – The City of Omaha has a great map of all of the parks and playgrounds in the area (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page). You can zoom in and click on a tree icon to find out more information about each park.

There are many Public Libraries in Omaha and the surrounding communities which host wonderful storytimes, fun programs for children and teens, classes for adults, and special events throughout the year!

Omaha Public Libraries – Check out their event calendar under Events and Programs: Calendar, for all of the latest details.

Sumtur Amphitheaterat Walnut Creek in Papillion, NE, is a multi-use venue that shows free movies, hosts a free summer concert series, offers several ticketed music and theater events, and much more.

Wildlife Safari Park(operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo) is a four mile, drive through wildlife adventure. There are also a couple places where you can get out of your car and walk or hike, or enjoy a picnic lunch. New this year is a Hands-On Corral. Add on a season pass for only $25 to any Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo membership.

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

Other Helpful Resources:

Stay Connected

Welcome

Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha! Created by a local Mom who loves finding new adventures with her family and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!